Good news for anyone who's ever wished their morning commute smelled less like diesel and more like... well, nothing. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) just opened the vault, making a cool $610 million available to transit agencies. The mission? Modernize, electrify, and generally make public buses less of a rumble-and-fume experience.
The lion's share, a hefty $589 million, is earmarked for the Low or No Emission bus program. This fund is designed to help local governments snag those sleek, quiet zero-emission or low-emission buses, along with the charging stations and infrastructure needed to keep them rolling. Because apparently, silent, fume-free public transport is a thing we can have now.
Then there's another $21 million from the Buses and Bus Facilities program, which is a bit more of a catch-all for buying, fixing, or leasing buses and their associated garages. All this cash is courtesy of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, funded through the Highway Trust Fund. Let that satisfying number sink in.
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But wait, there's more. The FTA also announced a separate $22 million round of funding. This isn't just about going green; it's about making buses better. We're talking improved safety for both operators and passengers, shiny new maintenance facilities, and — crucially — better scheduling systems for folks with accessibility needs. Think contactless payments and "family-friendly" transit vehicles, because apparently, even buses can be family-friendly now.
Specifically, $12 million is up for grabs under the Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility program, aimed squarely at expanding public transportation options for people with disabilities. Because everyone deserves an easy ride.
And for the truly forward-thinking, the Bus Safety and Accessibility and Innovation Research program has $10 million. This fund is for the eggheads and engineers dreaming up standard bus designs and prototypes that make buses safer for everyone on board. It's all very sensible, which, let's be honest, is a refreshing change.
Advocacy group Calstart is already nudging state and local governments to get their applications in. Because if there's one thing Uncle Sam loves, it's a well-written grant proposal. The deadline for those big bus grants is September 21, with the safety and accessibility grants following on September 28. Get those pens moving.
